Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Why not? We had such a great time hearing from you during our Halloween giveaway that we thought we'd do it again. These tins have been very popular and we think you'll enjoy displaying one in your home or office. Each tin measures 8x8 inches and includes two hand-finished magnets. These sweet images were once featured on Victorian era greeting cards and they are a great reminder of simplier times.

Here's how the giveaway works: Leave a comment on this post before midnight on Thursday, November 6th. We'll choose a random visitor and post the winner on Friday the 7th. The winner will be able to choose one of the above Thanksgiving Vintage Tins. Best of luck...we look forward to hearing from YOU!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

As promised, here are simple instructions to help you create your own personalized frame to go with our Memory Trees.

Supplies to Gather:

8"x8" or 12" x 12" wood frame

Black spray paint (matte finish)

Assorted pictures, printed on a laser printer

Mod Podge decoupage glue

Sponge brush

Razor blade

Rags - one dry and one damp

Sandpaper

Distress Ink and/or chalk

Krylon Matte Finish Spray (1311)

Step 1: We started with a simple, unfinished 12" x 12" frame from a craft store. Using black spray paint (we prefer a matte finish) paint the outside and inside edges of the frame. You won't be covering the edges with pictures so the paint finishes those edges for you.

Step 2: Layout the pictures around the frame to get an idea of where they will fit. We like to mix black and white with sepia toned pictures to give the frame variety.

Step 3: Once you have an idea of where you want the pictures, start gluing them into place. Using the brush, apply a thin layer of glue to the frame in the area where you want picture #1. Place the picture on the frame and rub it with the dry cloth, making sure to work out any air bubbles. Next, apply a thin layer of glue where picture #2 will go. Be sure to overlap picture #1 a bit. After placing picture #2, gently wipe any excess glue off with the damp rag. (Don't rub too hard or you could rub your picture off.) Use your dry rag to rub the picture into place and smooth out any air bubbles. Continue applying pictures all the way around the frame.Allow the glue to dry for a few minutes before moving on.

Step 4: You are likely to have pictures that hang over the frame edge. Take your razor blade and carefully trim the excess paper away. (BE SURE THAT THE GLUE IS DRY OR YOU RISK TEARING YOUR PICTURES!)

Step 5: Use your sandpaper to soften the edges and help the pictures blend in with the wood on the frame.

Step 6: If you would like, use some Distress Ink or chalk to add to the 'aged' look of the frame. We recommend rubbing the edges of the frame, both inside and out, to give your frame some character. Allow the ink to dry and give the frame several light coats of Matte Finish Acrylic Sealer. This helps protect your project.

Voila! You now have your own family frame which is a perfect way to display your Memory Tree and add to the stories that you have to share.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Please be advised that Hotmail seems to be bouncing all of our emails. If you are using our Photo Wizard, you might want to use a non MSN email account. We can access your photo file, but need an accessible address to send to.

If you have any suggestions on how to fix this, we will be very grateful!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Thanks everyone for participating in our Vintage Tin random giveaway. We loved reading your comments and look forward to hearing from you in the future!

Thought it would be fun to pick an extra winner, so not one but two of you get to contact us at www.mythoughts@storiesbyme.com to determine your Halloween Tin preference. (Pick between Halloween Witch and Scared'y Cat.) Be sure to tell us where to ship your prize and we'll get it in the mail pronto!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

We are moments away from picking a winner in our first, of what we hope will be many, giveaways! A special thanks goes out to each of you who shared your thoughts about our products and your own passion for preserving memories. Recently, we heard a simple statement that eloquently defines our mission

"There is no tomorrow to remember if we don't do something today." ~ Thomas S. Monson

Life is amazingly full of things to remember. Together, let's explore ways to make remembering a reality! We might not do it all, but we can all DO SOMETHING.

Here's a little something to remember... you have until midnight tonight to add your comments to the list. Tomorrow, we'll post not one...but TWO WINNERS!

Monday, October 13, 2008

Here's an exciting piece of news. We can finally announce that our new Memory Tree kits are available on the website. Thanks to our extremely hardworking, and might we add, talented programmer, Mark has gotten these pages ready just in time for holiday shopping! You can access these pages by either clicking on the tree pictured on the home page, or by looking for the Memory Tree menu item under Products.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

That's right - we're giving away one of our Halloween Vintage Tins. The tin measures 8x8 inches and includes two hand-finished magnets. The Holiday series feature vintage greeting cards from the Victorian era. We would love to hear your thoughts on our products so tell us what you think!

Here's how it works: Leave a comment on this post before midnight on Tuesday, October 14th. We'll choose a random visitor and post the winner on Wednesday the 15th. The winner will be able to choose one of the above Halloween Vintage Tins. Good Luck!

Watch for more random giveaways in the next few months - keep checking back!

Yeah, we know...you can't find these tins on our website. We have been sooooo very busy trying to fill orders that we've not had time to put our own house in order (literally, not just figuratively!). We hope to have this fixed soon. There's another reason to check back!

Friday, October 3, 2008

Several people have asked about our Button Box - a place to keep all of your extra family faces when not using them on the Memory Tree. We have put together a step by step tutorial to help you create your own Button Box.

Before you start gluing, it's a good idea to have all of your pictures trimmed. Get an idea of where to place each picture by laying them in position on the box. Once you have a plan, use the foam brush and apply a thin layer of glue on the wood box. Apply just enough glue to cover the space where the first picture will go. Use the dry cloth to rub the picture flat, making sure there aren't any air bubbles. For the next picture, again apply a thin layer of glue where that picture will be placed. Be sure to place glue over the first picture where the second one overlaps. Place the second picture and LIGHTLY wipe around it using your damp cloth to remove any excess glue. Then use the dry cloth to smooth the picture and remove any air bubbles. Rub gently. If you rub too hard you will rub the picture off. Continue for all sides of the box until the box is covered with your pictures. It's a good idea to have a variety of picture sizes available to fill in spaces as you work through the project. We also like to print our pictures in a combination of black/white (gray scale) and sepia for visual interest.

Step 3: Trim Edges

Trim any overhanging paper edges using your razor blade or exacto knife. (Make sure that the glue has dried before you trim! Otherwise you will just tear your picture.) If you have glued a picture that covers both the lid and the box, take your razor blade and cut along the seam to separate the picture.

Step 4: Sand and Distress Button Box

After all of your pictures are glued, trimmed and dry, sand the edges of your box using the piece of sandpaper. We like to soften the corners to help 'age' the box. Rubbing distress ink or chalk on the edges will also give the project an authentic 'old' look. Let the ink dry before giving it 2 or 3 coats of the Matte Finish Spray. This seals your project and protects the pictures.

Now you have your very own Button Box! What a great way to enjoy your family pictures and store family faces.